Platte
County proceeding with purchase of building

Platte County Commissioners set into motion Thursday
the purchase of a 40,000 square foot office building near
KCI, as first reported in The Landmark last week.

Commissioners approved several items concerning the purchase
of the former National Federation of State High School
Association building during their regular meeting Thursday.

During the meeting commissioners approved a resolution
authorizing the financing for the facility. Purchase price
for the facility is $1.35 million. Commissioners say another
$600,000 will be used to renovate the building. Financing,
according to commissioners, will come from a $2 million
bond to be paid over 10 years.

A real estate sale contract was also approved by commissioners.
The contract shows the commissioner's serious intent to
purchase the building.

A contract was also approved for the building to be inspected
prior to sale. According to 2nd District Commissioner
Steve Wegner, the building was inspected Friday.

"We have not gotten a written report yet, we are
still waiting. Initially we have heard there are no major
structure problems," Wegner said.

Commissioners anticipate using the building as office
space, storage of county records and rental space for
other agencies.

A request was approved to allow commissioners to put
proposals for a manager of the Pro Shop and food operation
at Shiloh Springs Golf Course.
The proposals will allow the commissioner to evaluate
the operations of the golf course.
The current agreement between Shiloh Springs Golf Course
and current management, Oak Golf of Lawrence, Kan., will
expire at the end of 2002. The agreement was for three
years.

Shiloh Springs Golf Course has suffered economically
over the past years. With recent dry weather during the
summer, the course's fairways continue to suffer also.

First District Commissioner Michael Short announced during
the meeting there is a possibility the course will be
folded into Platte City's parks and recreation department.

One option for the golf course is for Platte County
to purchase the land, according to Wegner, at a remaining
cost of $1.6 million from Gary Martin.

Wegner adds that if the grounds are purchased by the
county, groundskeepers will be hired, allowing the food
and beverage area to be leased.

"That should put us in a more positive financial
situation," Wegner said.

During the meeting commissioners approved a memorandum
of understanding with Kansas City for Platte Purchase
Park. An agreement with Patti Banks and Associates for
a master plan for Platte Purchase Park, located at 100th
Street and Platte Purchase, was also approved by commissioners.

The agreements allow Kansas City to share the cost of
the park's master plan with Platte County.